Authorities in the United Arab Emirates discovered wreckage of drones marked “Geran-2,” a Russian designation. Preliminary reports indicate air defense systems shot them down during a large-scale Iranian attack on Dubai.
RBK-Ukraine reported this, citing a Telegram channel covering the Russian diaspora in the Emirates.
Details
Fragments of the “Geran-2” drones appeared near the strategic port of Jebel Ali in Dubai. Sources say these drones are a Russian-modified version of the Iranian Shahed-136, produced at a factory in Alabuga, Tatarstan.
The modifications include a 90 kg warhead with thermobaric and incendiary charges, jamming-resistant antennas, cameras, and 4G modems for flight correction. Each drone costs between $30,000 and $50,000 to produce.
Finding wreckage with Russian markings suggests close integration of Moscow and Tehran’s military capabilities or shared logistical chains.
Local air defenses shot down a significant number of drones, but debris still landed in residential areas, damaging infrastructure and transport. Dubai Airport also faced disruptions, with some flights canceled, and tourists advised to stay in hotels until the situation stabilizes.
Context
Russia regularly uses “Geran-2” drones to attack Ukraine. The Iranian attack on the UAE shows the spread of these technologies beyond Ukraine and points to possible cooperation between Russia and Iran in drone operations.
Iran also attacks the Persian Gulf with Shahed drones, using tactics similar to Russia. Iran launches these drones in waves, creating chaos, disrupting critical infrastructure, and applying psychological pressure. Since Iran has a limited stock of ballistic missiles, it relies on mass-produced drones instead.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that the U.S. prepares for the next phase of operations against Iran, expected to be more intense than previous efforts. These operations also affect the Russia–Ukraine war.
